LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 09: Carter Bryant #11 of the San Antonio Spurs drives against Zuby Ejiofor #20 of the Atlanta Hawks in the first half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Only 16 days separate players from NBA Draft Night to the Summer League. Hoopers end up travelling from the cityscapes and bridges of Brooklyn to the desert heat of 43 degrees Celsius and pumping air conditioning units of Las Vegas. Today, the first slew of 76 games kicked off spanning 11 days that will feature the 2026 NBA rookie class and undrafted talent that will be vying for final spots on an NBA roster.
Summer League is a breeding ground of hope. It’s where players are proving their worth one last time before final rosters are locked. It's where, with any luck, questions get answered – or perhaps not. Will an x-factor be unearthed? Which team will show the most promise? Which teams can find an extra edge?
Most of the intrigue will be centred around: who’s going to deliver this year in Las Vegas? For the basketball fan, there's usually something in it for everyone.
Here’s what we'll be watching: